maciek M.
Google
There’s cozy, there’s chill, and then there’s Brothers Café in Far Rockaway, where the ocean breeze shows up right on cue and your breakfast comes with a side of “wow, why didn’t I discover this sooner?”
Let’s talk food
Started with their sourdough english muffin, loaded with egg, pesto, and melted cheddar. That pastry had crunch, chew, and flavor that felt like someone actually cared. The egg was cooked just right, soft but substantial, with the pesto giving everything a garden-fresh lift and the cheddar pulling it all together like a culinary best man at a breakfast wedding.
Then there was the lemon coconut cake, vegan and proud of it. No weird textures, no compromise. It was bright, zesty, and tropical in the “wait… is this what vacation tastes like?” kind of way. Airy crumb, mellow sweetness, and a lemony finish that lingered just enough to tempt another slice (I didn’t, but let’s be honest… I thought about it).
Coffee was solid. Nothing pretentious, just smooth and satisfying. Great sips, great view, and great little recyclable paper cup that somehow made everything taste better.
Bonus points: this was my 20-mile pit stop on a long bike ride, which made everything taste about 300% better. When you’ve been chasing pavement for hours, finding a spot like this feels downright cinematic, like someone cued the breeze and plated the pastry just for you.
Oh, and the location? Unbeatable. You’ve got sand and sky practically hugging you from the boardwalk. Whether you’re post-swim, pre-stroll, or just hiding from your inbox, this café knows how to deliver comfort without the fluff.
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I returned to Brothers Cafe with an open mind and a hungry heart. Turns out, the kitchen had a few surprises up its sleeve.
The fish toast was excellent. A generous layer of fresh flaky fluke, lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection, sat atop a thick-cut slice of bread with a crisp edge and soft center. The tangy house aioli added just enough brightness to make each bite feel like a seaside brunch moment.
Then came the kimchi fried cheese. Great is an understatement. Imagine gooey, melted cheese with a golden crust, wrapped around spicy, fermented kimchi that hits all the right notes, funky, fiery, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that makes you pause mid-bite and reevaluate your life choices, preferably while reaching for another bite.
Don’t forget to heavily use the Sunset sauce. On everything!